Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2007 11:46:19 -0800 (PST)
Subject: IRAC and AKARI memos, Funding FAQs and Data Analysis workshops


Contents of mailing:

1. Memo on IRAC signal-to-noise ratio calculation
2. Memo on AKARI and Spitzer Performance
3. Updated FAQs on funding
4. 2007 Data Analysis workshops


1. Memo on IRAC signal-to-noise ratio calculation

The IRAC Instrument Support Team at the SSC has produced a memo
explaining how best to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio for an
observed source, versus determining the sensitivity of the observation.
This distinction is important when proposing to observe variations in a
source, especially against a brighter source. This has particular
relevance for observers proposing to observe, e.g., extrasolar planet
transits.

The memo can be found under the "Additional Useful Information" heading
of the Proposal Kit page:  http://ssc.spitzer.caltech.edu/propkit/ .


2. Memo on AKARI and Spitzer Performance

For the purpose of Cycle-4 proposal writing and review, a comparison
between the performance of AKARI and Spitzer at common wavelengths can be
found at

http://ssc.spitzer.caltech.edu/propkit/

under "Additional Useful Information and Spitzer Tools."


3. Updated FAQs on Funding

Have questions about funding issues for PIs and your co-Is?  Please
find an updated list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at

http://ssc.spitzer.caltech.edu/faq/go4.html#ToC18 .

Other FAQs regarding Cycle-4 can also be found on that page.


4. 2007 Data Analysis workshops

Due to the compressed time between Spitzer proposal Cycles this year
(Cycle-5 proposals will be due in November!), we will not be offering a
Data Analysis Workshop here at the SSC this spring.  Instead, we will be
offering one Workshop here this year in either late August or early
September (dates still TBD).  However, we will be at the AAS Meeting this
May to provide assistance with any data analysis questions you may have.
Additionally, we are working to get online video captures from the 2006
August Data Analysis Workshop (we'll keep you posted on their availability).

We look forward to seeing you in Honolulu and this fall!


REMINDER:  Cycle-4 proposals are due by this Friday, February 16, at 5PM
PST. Observers are recommended to submit their proposals early (don't
wait till the last minute!) and are reminded that proposals can always be
revised and updated up until the deadline.

Best of luck with your proposals!

Spitzer Science User Support